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Amazon.com limits one-hour delivery in New York as big storm approaches

January 26, 2015 03:11 PM

(Bloomberg) -- New Yorkers who plan to let Amazon.com Inc.’s one-hour delivery service bring them their every need during the blizzard should start thinking about a Plan B.

The Seattle-based online retailer, which began offering one-hour delivery in Manhattan last month, will be operating its Prime Now one-hour delivery on a “limited schedule” due to the storm, Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Cheeseman said. Amazon is No 1 in the Internet Retailer 2014 Top 500 Guide.

“We are seeing a great response from customers who want to stay inside during the wintry conditions and get the items they need delivered right to their door,” Cheeseman said. “We’re watching the storm also, and will be operating on a limited schedule. Customers can get updates through the Prime Now app on delivery availability.”

The Prime Now program covers shipments of tens of thousands of household goods, including shampoo and paper towels. It is available to Amazon Prime members who pay $99 annually for fast delivery. Those members pay an additional $7.99 to have items delivered in one hour.

Other delivery startups have also scaled back service during weather-related incidents. Last month, Shyp, a company that helps people package and deliver goods, shut down service during a rain storm in the San Francisco Bay area.